2:45 AM Eastern
The Blue Jays fulfilled the predictions of their most pessimistic doubters by getting to the West Coast and messing their nests in a 3-1 loss that I’m thinking most of you didn’t stay up to listen to. If you did, I’m sorry - at least I got paid to watch it.
The Jays’ offense shot blanks, hearkening back to the tough, tough days of last Tuesday and Wednesday, as they managed just six singles and one walk against Greg Smith, who they knocked around for an inning then stopped hitting in his major-league debut back at Rogers Centre in early April. Not only were they just 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position, they didn’t even ADVANCE a runner in scoring position as much as 90 feet until the 8th inning, when Kevin Mench drove in the Jays’ only run with a single.
Remember last Tuesday and Wednesday, by the way? The Jays came home having won six of seven on the road and for two nights, couldn’t get a big hit at all against the Angels, lost two straight, and that was all a lot of fans needed to see - it was all over, the previous week didn’t matter. Then they won five in a row.
A.J. Burnett had a fine start, with just one blip in it, and even that wasn’t so huge. With two out and nobody on in the 4th, he walked the nine-hitter, Kurt Suzuki. It should be noted, though, that Suzuki was leading off for the A’s earlier this month. Jack Hannahan followed by ripping a double into the gap in right-centre, scoring Suzuki, and then Bobby Crosby lined a single up the middle to score Hannahan. A run of three hitters where Burnett didn’t have it, but for the rest of his 5 2/3 innings, he was more than fine. He even struck out 10, contributing to the 103-pitchness of his outing and his early exit.
The A’s stole three bases off Burnett, who can’t hold runners to save his life, but only one of them scored, and that one only scored because The Captain’s throw hit him (Emil Brown) in the ankle and ricocheted into shallow left field, from whence David Eckstein couldn’t throw him out. I talked about this on The JaysTalk, but it doesn’t bother me if people run wild on Burnett (or Halladay, for that matter), because I’d rather have them get the hitter out as opposed to changing their delivery to try to hold the runner better and having that have an effect on how they deal with the hitters. They’ve both been quite successful despite not being great at controlling the running game.
Eckstein came back with an offensive flourish - activated off the disabled list to replace Hector Luna (whose freshly-baked cookies will surely be missed around the clubhouse - I mean, he must have done SOMETHING to warrant taking up a roster spot for two weeks, no?), Eck went 2-for-3 with two singles and a walk. His defense stood out for the wrong reasons in the first, though. The first ground ball of the game went to him, and he dropped it, but recovered enough to make the play. The next hitter did the same thing, and though he fielded it cleanly, his throw was low and Lyle Overbay dropped it. Overbay should have made the play, the ball didn’t hit the ground, but pardon him for being used to having a shortstop who could actually heave it all the way to first on a line on a regular basis.
The Jays-Big Hurt match-up fizzled when Frank Thomas had to leave the game after two at-bats, having strained his right quadriceps either legging out his third-inning double, going to third on the Ryan Sweeney single that followed, or eating birthday cake in the clubhouse (Happy 40th, Hurt!). Hopefully, Big Frank will be able to get back into the line-up for the last two games, it won’t be as much fun without him.
The late-night JaysTalks are always interesting, and tonight’s edition is here:
It’s good to know that Neil makes as little sense on the air as he does here in the comments section.
Hopefully, we’ll get a pre-game Wednesdays with J.P. That’s the plan, at least, to start at 8:30 pm Eastern, and you can hear it here on the website or on the air on the Fan590 if you’re in the listening area. All you J.P.-haters, don’t expect me to do your work for you. If you have issues with the guy, quit shrivelling up on Wednesday nights and pick up the phone. There’s so much criticism of Ricciardi on The JaysTalk and here on the blog, but all we get on Wednesday nights are calls about the draft and minor leaguers and people telling J.P. how great he is.
Comments are encouraged, it’s the 24/7 JaysTalk, but I warn you, I’m sleeping in.
Do you want to know why we don’t call in WWJP? Because you don’t allow a conversation, it’s get your points/comments across and allow JP a closed forum to answer them, where nobody can call him out on his idiocies like Juan Pierre’s OBP or understating Jason Bay’s season. If I felt I could actually talk TO JP, I’d actually call.
MW: That’s an unfortunate circumstance of trying to get as many callers in as possible, but it’s easier to allow for conversation when the Jays are on the road then at home, because it’s easier for me to communicate with the guys behind the glass. It’s something I can try to keep an eye on, though, thanks for bringing it up.
- JamesMike
Is it just me or is Burnett getting a free ride this year? I’m not even talking about today’s start, because it wasn’t bad at all, but for the entire season in general. For once he has been healthy, but he’s put together a very mediocre season up until this point. And no, its not the fact that his record is only 1 game over 500 that bothers me. He’s been the subject of criticism since he got here, but this year has actually been his worst, in terms of performance when healthy. Yet, he has not been facing alot of heat.
MW: It’s interesting, isn’t it? People still call and write every day about trading him, though.
- TerryHi Mike. I have to confess, i, like many other Jay fans, am not a huge fan of JP. I think its time for management to fire him and head in another direction for the following reasons :
1 - Performance. I believe JP stated he expected the Jays to win a world series within 5 years of his hiring. Foolish prediction really, because even if you have the best team on paper in baseball it doesn’t necessarily mean you will win the world series. But i don’t think its unreasonable to expect the team to at least have had a playoff appearance in the last 6 years.
2 - Draft/Farm system : Currently, accordingly to a fine source (Baseball America), the Jays minor system ranks near the bottom in overall talent, with just one prospect in the top 100 (Snider). Romero over Tulowitski was a bad decision. Yes, easy to say after Tulo becomes an allstar, but even last year he passed on Porcello who is one of the top 2 or 3 pitchers in the minor leagues. If money was the issue, save 5 million by passing on Eckstein, who is not much of an offensive talent anyhow, go with J-MAC and his great defense and sign Porcello.
3 - Poor Spending : Gives Vernon Wells a contract that makes him the 3rd highest paid player in the majors at the time, when the guy is a .260 hitter vs righties and isn’t even a top 10 outfielder. He could have got Frank Thomas at probably half the price, but gives him loads of cash then uses a poor start this year to back out of the contract for next season.
I hope i’m wrong, but i see the Jays coming up short again this season. The bats will come around, but how long can the entire rotation continue to pitch like Cy Young candidates? If they miss the playoffs again, please can JP. Signing Barry would get the Jays in the playoffs, and even save JP’s job, but no thanks…i’m sure some combination of Mench/Stewart/Lind/ will get us back to glory.
MW: 1 - JP CERTAINLY never said that he’d bring Toronto to the World Series within five years. That’s completely untrue. 2 - It’s far too early to assess the current minor-league system. No one was railing against the selection of Romero over Tulowitzki at the time, and the Jays wouldn’t draft Porcello because they refuse to pay above slot, which has nothing to do with J.P. 3 - When has Vernon Wells ever been the 3rd highest-paid player in the majors?
- rickMW….neat minor league fact of the week..as of this evening, the two leading hitters in AA are
1. luke hughes from australia
2. our own scott campbell from new zealand.
im still waiting for the indian and pakistani cricketers to make their big leap into pro ball (reference to the most random call i think you ever received on jays talk)
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=l_bat&lid=113
if this kid keeps hitting like this with solid peripherals and a lefty bat, somethings gonna have to give. more and more we see guys jump from AA to the bigs without much of a AAA experience in between. hills not going anywhere. secondbasemen in the minors dont become shorstops in the bigs..rolen is the third bagger…is this kid destined for a trade or an OF position? and even if moved to the OF…you still have rios, wells, lind, snider..all in the future plans..i dont want another mike young for esteban loiza deal!!!
do you feel that AJ is a straight up head case? million dollar arm with a ten cent head type of dude? he’s a total momentum pitcher…the good rolls into good, the bad rolls into worse…he seems to allow baserunners in bunches..youll look at his stat sheet and realize “gee..he only gave up a couple more runners than inning pitched” but then closer inspection will reveal almost all of them will have come in one or two fateful innings. hes a solid 3.5 type ERA pitcher but whats so maddening is his stuff would dictate so much more than that. right now he’s getting his clock cleaned by Jessie Litsch….and im not sure if thats more a testament to jessie or a negative on AJ.
MW: I don’t think A.J. is a straight-up head case, and I don’t think we have to worry yet about Campbell being dealt for minimal return. He still has a couple of years to build his assetness, maybe try another position, assuming he continues to develop at this rate.
- sammyTo fully appreciate just how amazingly efficient Halladay is, here’s something I was surprised to read, courtesy of Yahoo!.
• Justin Verlander threw a season-high 120 pitches in 7.0 innings Sunday. The pitch total also moved him to the top of the league in terms of pitches per appearance, at 107.9 per start. The rest of the top 10 (minimum 9 starts): Jake Peavy (107.9), Ervin Santana (107.7), Felix Hernandez (107.6), Cliff Lee (107.2), Daisuke Matsuzaka (105.5), Gil Meche (105.4), Cole Hamels (105.0), John Maine (105.0) and Johan Santana (104.2).
So Roy isn’t even in the top 10 for pitchers per outing, despite having more CG than FLA, SF, CIN, CHC, NYM WAS, LAD, HOU, DET, NYY, SEA, and MIN COMBINED. Unreal.
MW: Spectacular.
- AriI forgot to add that Halladay’s a selfish, me-first player for wanting to complete so many games. Honestly, that call shredded the Tike Redman one, or Neil’s masterpiece from tonight.
MW: We still have “Ernie Whitt for GM”, though.
- AriHow come Zaun got the day off after having a great game Monday against the Royals?
The decline of Andrew Jones reminds me somewhat of could happed to Vernon. Big contract…off year…injury problems…finished.
MW: Andruw Jones’ decline is concerning, for sure, but there has been NOTHING about Vernon Wells that’s comparable.
- Brett VLove how you handled the whole “AJ is a .500 pitcher” call tonight. Have to laugh at all the AJ haters. A guy who can go out there and get you 10 K’s, throw a 100mph fastball and has an amazing curve is such a terrible pitcher eh?
Don’t understand the ‘trade AJ’ talk either. Who would you rather have pitching for you in the post season, Burnett or Percy?
That said, when AJ walks at the end of the season do you see McGowan filling in that number 2 spot in the rotation? Is there anybody coming up in free agency at the end of the season seeing as the Jays will have some payroll to play with.
MW: I’d be happy with Halladay-Marcum-McGowan-Janssen-Litsch as my five starters, but I doubt Casey will be ready to answer the bell when the season starts next year. I think the Jays could get a mid-rotation guy on the free agent market, and spend their money on a bat.
- ChrisDid you read my comment about the 6 most disapointing teams? I meant to rank the 6 most disapointing teams from most disapointing to least disapointing. The 6 teams are the Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians, San Diego Padres,New York Mets, and the Seattle Marniers. Also, would you call Neil the ethernal Jays pessiamist?
MW: No, Neil’s frustrated and has every right to be, he’s just reacting to his frustration poorly. Those six teams? Most disappointing - Tigers, then the Padres, Mets, Rockies, Mariners and Indians.
- andrewHi, Mike.
Painful to see the way the first run of the game was scored… almost reminiscent of when nothing was going right for the snake-bitten Blue Jays a few weeks back. I appreciate Eckstein’s hustle, and his track record of winning can’t be overlooked, but his throw from left field to try and stop Brown at home plate was, uh, for the lack of a better term, ‘grandma-ish’. I know he isn’t known for his arm, but Brown would’ve been out had ANY other player been there to heave the ball to Barajas.
Another game of less than 2 runs, and another loss… absolutely stunning statistic. I don’t mean that when they score less than 2, they lose, but the fact that when they score MORE than 2, they win… a lot.
Another excellent start by our SP, but Burnett lets one inning get to him once again. That being said, two runs with two outs is just as much luck on the A’s part as it is ‘bad luck’ on Burnett’s part.
Here’s to hoping tonight the Jays can climb back into win column.
As always, thanks, Mike!
MW: 1-10 when they don’t score two runs.
- JeffMike,
I wonder how much of the frustration with the Jays stems from people not being use to seeing the team balance favour the pitching. Lossing 3-1 can look much different than lossing 7-5. In one cause you curse the pitching and the other you curse the hitting, but watching hitters fail 80% of the time is more frustrating than watching pitchers succeed 70%.
MW: It seems that way, but think about holding a 7-3 lead in the 7th inning then losing - how frustrating is that?
- JWMike, any idea what’s up with Adam Lind? He has not been in the Syracuse lineup for the last two days, but apparently played the full game on Sunday.
I don’t expect they would have been giving him two days off, so can only assume some kind of physical issue. Any word?
MW: Nope, but you can ask J.P. tonight.
- NormCan’t win them all. I knew this was going to be a low scoring series. Let’s hope the Jays give Doc some offensive support and hand Harden his first loss of teh campaign.
I feel a bounceback game tonight with Stairs in the lineup against his old mates. Is Scutaro going to make his way back into the lineup tonight with an OF spot?
Morning guys were ribbing Eric Smith this morning about his goroundout to cost them the game, are you on that coed team with Smith and Stellick?
MW: No, they play Tuesday nights and I don’t have a single Tuesday night off from March to October. Scutaro will be in the line-up tonight at shortstop.
- Aaron KerMike, you know what, watching the game last night, I was upset but not heart broken, we’re going to lose(it happens) I’m just interested to see how they bounce back tonight, once again even if they lose I would like to see some adjustments. I’m also looking forward to tonights pitching match up, should a good one.
One thing that drove me nuts(and I could be wrong) where was Scutaro on the Emil Brown play? Why is it that Ecks had to be the one to run down that ball and try to make the play at home. What was Scoots doing in the LF catching butterflies or what?
MW: The ball just kicked off to the absolutely right spot. Scoot was on his way, but Eckstein beat him there. I was surprised, too.
- The RatWake up sleepy head, it’s 9am already LOL. Hey, I love these west coast games, as I get to listen while I’m driving back to London at 1030pm. Although I hate admitting I had to switch to the XM Oakland feed when I hit that dead zone west of Hamilton and couldn’t pick up the London station yet LOL. I was hoping XM would have your feed like they did for the KC day game. Oh well.
Anyway, what’s with these “trade AJ” people? I mean, sure, 6-8 weeks from now if the bottom drops out, then see what we can get. But so long as we are serious contenders, which we definitely are, he can take on the role of rental player that everyone would be bugging JP to go find in July anyway.
- DanWhy wasn’t Overbay pinch hit for in the 8th inning? And is JaysTalk going to become a Podcast?? Please say its so
MW: I think it will eventually become a podcast, but for now you’ll have to live with it on the radio and here on the blog. Overbay could have been pinch-hit for, by Zaun or Wilkerson.
- JustinGood Afternoon Mike!
I’m constantly defending AJ Burnett to my friends, and I suspect I’ll be on the AJ soapbox again as the bats were held quiet. 10 strikeouts, are you kidding me? I think he’s awesome.
I know you’re not a big fan of judging a hurler by their win/loss record, so, what would you think about giving a pitcher a no-decision if:
a) they have pitched awesome but don’t have the run support
or
b)have pitched awful but the bats were alive
Aneez
PS - Love your explanation of how good the morning was!
MW: Nope, a decision is a decision. If you pitch a complete game and lose 1-0, then what happens?
- AneeezPS - crap, I just noticed I made a spelling error on my own name! Please don’t grill me on it!
MW: That’s hilarious.
- AneezDo you and Richard Griffin live in the same space-time continuum? I mean you say AJ Burnett was fine while dear Richard makes out like this loss and most of the other ills of this bleak orb we inhabit stem entirely from AJ’s inconsitency.
Earth calling Richard Griffin. Tonight the Jays had no offence. Period. That’s it. Hanging this loss on the pitcher, or more specificly, your favourite whipping-boy is a profound distortion of the facts.
I know that this blog should not be about what others write but hanging this one on AJ…absurdosity!
MW: I believe the correct term is absurditude.
- PRBWhen Eckstein throws he looks like it takes everything he has to get it to first. Has he always thrown like that or has he just lost all his velocity? If he can’t make those throws on a routine basis there is no way a 9 hitter should play ahead of the best defensive shortstop in the league. How does Gibby justify it?
MW: He’s always thrown that way, and it usually beats the runner, oddly enough.
- The ChadIs there a reason Wilkerson was not put in to pinch hit for Hill who was 0-4 with a walk.
MW: Yes. Hill is a much better hitter than Wilkerson.
- Jim BrownleeIt is frustrating watching A.J. pitch sometimes only because you know what he is capable of when he’s on. Some nights, like last night, he is like a Ferrari (or exotic car of your choice) in need of a tune-up. All the potential is there but not it is not quite hitting on all cylinders. However, it is still a Ferrari so it goes faster than most cars. A.J.’s command was a little off last night and he paid for it but in the end he still pitched almost 7 innings and only gave up 2 earned runs.
A.J.’s performance was kind of irrelevant though as Greg Smith kept the Jays bats silent. Hopefully they can get things going again against Harden tonight.
Sorry for the somewhat strange comment, these west coast trips cause me to be a little sleep deprived.
MW: No problem. I feel for those of you who still have to get up to go to work at 9:00 or whenever, at least I don’t have to do that. A.J. almost pitched six, though, not seven.
- DerekMike: I wish Frank well, but I really don’t want to see him in this series. I cannot be reminded about his entire situation and the Blue Jays.
I know you will disagree, but I will make the point to the other readers that I thought Stewart should have been bunting early in the game with runners at first and second. This is new “dead ball” Blue Jay era where pitching is great and runs are hard to come by. Taking advantage of our outs would go a long way to create some runs.
I have no idea why Aaron Hill is hitting second. Why not have Eckstein at #2 or #1? He works the count and handles the bat as good as anyone in the lineup.
I listened to extendo-talk last night and I think you get a little too impatient with some (particularly the guy you hung up on). Let them make a point, counter, then move on!
MW: Eckstein neither works the count nor handles the bat as well as anyone in the line-up. Well, maybe handles the bat if you mean bunting and executing the hit-and-run. The guy I hung up on hit on two of my big pet peeves - the whole “A.J. is a .500 pitcher” thing, and name-calling.
- Jim BHey Mike,
I just wanted to say BEFOREHAND, that if the Jays have a losing record in April 2011, I told you so! That way when I call you on May 1, 2011 and complain, you can’t say that I’m being frustrated!
MW: So noted.
- Scotthi mike
- mariotough loss,I guess we can’t win them all.A.J. pitched ptitty good.It seemed to me that the Jays couldn’t do anything with that outside pitch they kepted popping up to rihgt field.You have to hand it to Smith because other than the singles the jays didn’t square up a ball tonight.Stairs had a couple of good hacks in the 9th but to no avail.Hope they have a better time of it tonight.One win would be nice in Oakland,two would be better.
mario
Go Jays!!!
Mike
As I’ve said before, I’ve been following the Jays for over 25 years, and over that time have probably seen a minimum of 100 games per year. Based on my experience, it is my “gut” feeling this team will never really “click” offensively. I know, you could say I’m talking about “intangibles”, but I have watched a lot of baseball over the years, good and bad, and this year’s model just doesn’t look right. They don’t have those one or two hitters that set the table day in and day out. Those .320+ BA guys that most playoff teams seem to need. No one on this squad seems to be that guy. My question - you’ve obviously watched a lot of baseball too, and have been preaching patience with this club, but don’t you get the feeling this offense is always going to be sputter?
MW: Did the 1989 team “look right” in mid-May? I don’t get that feeling at all, I think the offense will be fine. Never world-beaters, but all they need to do is score two bloody runs!
- DanI’m really beginning to hate playing Oakland…what a brutal game to watch. Luckily I’m out west so I didn’t have to stay up late to take in that borefest.
A thought about Burnett. What is so frustrating to me is that he is so lights out and in command but then seems to have lapses in his concentration and before you know it, he walks a guy on 4 pitches with 2 outs and then suddenly 2 more runs have scored. I can’t think of it any other way than that A.J. lacks a little bit of focus and mental toughness. And this is not the first time this season. Am I out to lunch here MW?
MW: I don’t think you’re out to lunch, but if the Blue Jays had scored a league-average four runs, they’d have won.
- B-rad from CalgaryMike,
After responding to my post yesterday and your thoughts about the Jays being out of their offensive slump…I’m going to jump the gun and state the obvious. They’re not. I know it’s early, it’s only one game but let’s look at the situation. They win 4 in a row against a measly KC team that can’t score a run to save their life. So even if toronto didn’t outsocre them 20 something to 4, it wouldn’t have been a series, not to mention KC’s pitching staff is atrocious at best THESE days. Throw away that sweep of KC if you want a sign of things to come, let’s look at this Oakland series, a team that hadn’t lost 5 or something games in a row coming in (and had won 4 in a row instead)as the real test. Now Mike, tell me the last time the offense WON a game that they had NO business winning. It’s crucial if you want to win a division or take the card even if your pitching is magnificent, it won’t last 162. I’m frustrated, I think something has to happen because even though alot of the players are starting to swing the bat better, it’s a team game and the bottom line is, the offense isn’t contributing enough to be a contender. It’s almost June, yes Vernon is out, but I feel this team is not going to make the playoffs without making a move offensively. Not going to beat the barry horse today though! Let’s hear your thoughts.
MW: The Blue Jays are playing at a 102-win pace when they score at least two runs. This is a team that can be expected to score at least two runs on a regular basis, and more than likely three or four. I’ll give you that they haven’t hit their way to a big win yet, like a comeback from 6-2 down or something like that, but it’ll happen. Throw out the KC series if you want, though that’s ridiculous, they had won 7 of 11 before that, sweeping a pair of first-place teams.
- GregHey Mike I was listening to your show on Monday and you talked about how AJ Burnett would opt out of his contract, and I agree he is having a good year and will warrant a big contract,but what are the chances if any are there of hime renegoitiating with the Jays do you think or will they stay out of the sweepstakes because it will be too rich???? I think they will need to replace his arm if they let hime walk. The young pitchers are doing good this year but as we have seen before, a deep rotation is necessary and I dont see a better free agent pitcher being out there, and I think one more year in the minors would serve Purcey well. Just wondering what your thought are, thanks!!
MW: I don’t think the Jays will be in on A.J. in the off-season, and I do think they’ll go out and sign or trade for another starter.
- Lee CoatesGood thing we signed Alex Rios and Aaron Hill to long term big money deals..
STIFFS!
MW: Yeah!
- Phil MMike Maybe the reason for not being open with JP is the fact that many of us are quite satisfied with his results and wish the others would quit nagging and appreciate the fact that we are nearly always in ball games. The beauty of base ball is we can all second guess and therefore we are always smarter. Anyway it’s time to give Gibby a contract.
MW: Is there a silent majority out there?
- DougThe jays look very average when they play a team with a winning record..(Philadelphia was struggling). They will win 3 games on this road trip, the fans will call for Gibbons and J.P’s head, nothing will change It’s 7 years of BLAH!! and continuing. Hey where’s BARRY????? oh yea, 80% of the players were talking some sort of enhancing drug, but lets pick on Barry because he excelled. Perhaps Paul Beeston has to go and then we will see some quality.
MW: Yes, they looked very average against the first-place White Sox and first-place Twins, going 7-0 against them and stuff.
- DaveHi Mike, I enjoyed your fortitude on Jays Talk early this morning.
Regarding the highest average trivia question I posted last night.
“What’s the highest batting average ever achieved by a former Jays player?”
You wrote:
“MW: You mean a former Jays player after he left Toronto? Good question.”
Thanks, I’ll rephrase it.
Out of everyone who has ever played for the Jays, who had the highest single season batting average of that group. He might have achieved it with the Jays, or perhaps another team.
MW: Terrific question. I’ll wager it’s John Olerud’s .363 in 1993.
- Skip KWhat are the odds they bring up Arencibia to play in New Hampshire in the not too distant future? He is, after all, creaming the entire State of Florida.
MW: That would depend on Brian Jeroloman. He needs to play, too.
- peteMike, I do not blame you for sleeping in.. these west coast swings are killer. I too sat up and watched the game here in Nova Scotia… so I’m still a little bleery eyed.
Was it just me, or were the A’s running a ‘dress like a green seat’ promotion?
MW: That’s Oakland baseball for you. Even when they were winning World Series, they weren’t packing the place.
- Iain SutherlandJays are 2-8 in the first game of a road series. That is pathetic. Last year they were bad too. Obviously they don’t show up for these games. That guy who called was right. Every time they go on a winning streak they start a losing streak right after. And it’s not just the losing that bothers everyone, it’s the WAY they are losing. Scoring 1 run is just pathetic.
MW: Scoring one run is just pathetic unless you’re facing the Blue Jays, though, right?
- roccoMike,
What are you dealing with?
If there were to be a home run derby with the winner based solely on home run distance who would win out of
(in their primes)
Bonds, Sosa, Big Mac, Piazza, A-Rod, Ortiz, Mantle, Ruth, Pujols, Griffey, Canseco, Manny
In order.
Also, what is the farthest home run you’ve ever seen hit live?
Thanks
MW: What am I dealing with? I don’t know what you mean. The farthest home run I have ever seen hit live was Barry Bonds, in batting practice, off what is now the ball-strike counter attached to the hotel in right-centre field at Rogers Centre. I can’t answer that other question, very obviously.
- Juheevy TrevikusalkyHi Mike :
Caught the last half of the game and the ensuing Jays Talk. Tough game to lose, but beware of lefties, even ones that come off of bad outings(apparantly he hadn’t had a win in a month). The Jays will win the next two.
Couldn’t believe the caller that figured he had your number. Wow! Guess it takes all kinds.
I may be wrong, and if I am there are quite a few others in the same wrongality about AJ. When they were wooing him to come to T.O.we heard how Arnsberg knew him, had worked with him in Fla. and how he could flourish here. At the time he was basically a .500 pitcher with “electric” stuff and great possibilities. His career stats bore that out. Well, we got him, and nothing’s changed. You seem to feel differently. Can you validate that opinion?
Hope the guys bust out tonight…..Go Jays!
MW: I can validate the opinion by looking at his numbers other than wins and losses. Did he deserve to lose last night, based on how he pitched? No. His career WHIP compares very favourably to Roy Halladay’s.
- JackI did listen to the game and your show last night, Mike. Albeit I do appreciate your generally equanimous approach, I must take exception to your rather selective highlighting of the ‘good’ Jays batting and OBP numbers while failing to mention their truly abysmal slugging numbers. The latter may well be the most important hitting stat of all and the Jays don’t have a single player in the top 100! Lyle Overbay comes in at #106 with a less than stellar .395. I doubt if there’s ever been a playoff team without a single hitter having a .400 SLG but I could be wrong.
MW: The slugging is terrible, it’s true. No getting around that.
- JackYes Overbay definitly deserves a pardon for dropping the Eckstein throw he’s only been playing baseball his whole life we should give him some more time to learn to catch, I’m sure in a few years he’ll have it down.
MW: Hmm, sarcasm from Dan? Never!
- Dan MPart of the reason why the Jays are struggling with RISP is their slugging%. Nobody is hitting many doubles, triples, and homeruns. All of their hits last night were singles I believe. Thats not the formula for having big offensive innings. The jays are lacking a big bat to bring more power. A guy that could hit 35-40 HR with a high OBP and slugging%. Also, what’s wrong with Aaron Hill. He has not done anything offensively after the first two weeks of the season. He has been a major disappointement for a player that was supposed to be a cornerstone.
MW: Hill actually had a really good two weeks in early May, but he’s back scuffling. It’s not something we haven’t seen before out of him, though, and he’s always bounced back.
- aviI’m just wondering what the deal with Wilkerson is? Or actually, what’s the deal with Adam Lind.
Lind projects to be a decent to good everyday player but he was given 19 ABs earlier this year. Wilkerson now has 100+ ABs with the Jays and continues his affair with the Mendoza line.
I can see that Wilkerson is a plus defender but .205?
MW: The deal with Wilkerson is that he used to be really good and that was when the Jays’ brass fell in love with him. Now they’re hoping he can get back to that and willing to give him a lot of rope to do it.
- JasonHey Wilner,
Watched the game up to the 3rd inning when I saw the Jays on 1st and 2nd and nobody out, and for whatever reason Gibbons decides not to bunt Stewart. Of course he flies out, Hill flies out and Rios flies out, and well you know how it turns out. I’m just amazed that after the A’s score, knowing that runs will be at a premium, this team does not try to manufacture something. Anyways, after that debacle I turned off the game, and judging by the results, I’m glad I did.
I have a question not really related to this year’s Jays team, but I was wondering why do you think it is that Cito Gaston is not managing in the big leagues. Here’s a guy who is a back to back champion, and yet people like Gibbons, who has no track record are managing. I’m not suggesting the Jays bring him back, but why hasn’t any of the other 29 teams taken a chance on him?
In terms of J.P (or Mr.Mediocrity), I have never been a backer of his and in the 7th year of his 5 year plan I have even less confidence in him now. A majority of the studs on this team are a part of Gord Ash’s regime (including Halliday, Wells and Rios) and it appears J.P’s draft record is average to below average at best. I think the Jays fans regret the fact that Dave Stewart was not given the opportunity. He may not have been in Management for a long period of time and may have had a part in the Joey Hamilton trade, but the guy is a winner and a 3-time champion, much more than can be said for J.P.
MW: Then why not make Yogi Berra the G.M.? As far as the Cito thing, he was offered a couple of manager’s jobs, I understand, but turned them down. Now, he says he doesn’t want to interview for a job - if someone wants him, they can just offer him a job.
- BobbyMW: Actually, J.P., you might have to get in line. The Blue Jays have THREE players in their system who project as above-average everyday big league catchers. But the farm system is barren.
Mike do you mean 3 catchers ahead of J.P. or 3 catchers including him that project as above average big league catchers?
Also do you want to give your head a shake or are you just going to keep saying things that arent’ true?
MW: Three catchers including him, with Jeroloman and Diaz. What am I saying that isn’t true?
- Dan MMike,
Do you think we will ever see a return of Reed Johnson to the Blue Jays?
MW: You never know, but probably not.
- Jamieisn’t there someone, somewhere in the minors that would be more valuable then Shannon Stewart there has to be someone.
MW: Shannon Stewart has really come around the last few weeks.
- Dan MMike,
Hope you enjoyed your extendo-shloof.
1) I, like you, don’t wish injury upon anyone. And I am completely on board with your disgust last week to the caller that mentioned that he hoped Doc would get hurt. That being said, why are you upset with the fact that the A’s best hitter (Thomas) may not be around to hit against the Jays? A weaker Oakland offense = a greater chance that Toronto wins more ball games over the next few days, no? Yeah, it’s cool to watch guys like A-Rod, Pujols, Utley, etc… But that’s why the baseball gods created Extra Innings and mlb.tv - to watch them destroy pitchers on other teams! :-)
2) Also, thoughts on Scott Hatteberg? Seems that the Jays need a guy like Hatteberg - who has had much more success against RH pitchers - off the bench far more than they need a guy like Kevin Mench. Of course, this would allow the Jays to move Matt Stairs back into the outfield and have more of a LH-RH mix in the lineup.
Free Adam Lind!,
Mike
MW: Hatteberg has said he doesn’t feel comfortable coming off the bench. I wouldn’t mind him DHing, with Stairs moving out to a corner, but he’s another table-setter.
- MichaelOne short addendum to my prior post. The Jays do have two players with .400+ SLG, namely, the injured Vernon Wells (.439) and platoon DH/OF Matt Stairs (.438) but neither player has sufficient AB to meet the minimum 3.1 AB per team game rule. If they did, either player would rank #70 in MLB.
MW: Fantabulous.
- JackI stayed up until Tallet came in(thanks to the Lakers-spurs series). The first run broke my heart, one of those unlucky bounces I was talking about the other day. Can’t blame Barajas on that one. Oakland is pretty beatable, somehow Jays havent done that this year, hope the trend changes tonight.
so Mike, do you personally like West coast trips? I don’t think you are in bed before 3:00am. How do you maintain your internal clock?
MW: Bed before 3:00 AM? I didn’t even get home until 3:30 last night! I do like the west coast trips, though. I get to have dinner with the family and put my kids to bed.
- BeburgMike sometimes you have to give credit where credit is due. Not many people have heard of Greg Smith and based on his record of 3 and 4 you wouldn’t think too much of him.
His ERA however is 2.84 and perhaps more important his WHIP of 1.17 is excellent for a starting pitcher. These numbers are some of the best in the American League for a starting pitcher.
Good pitching will shut down even the best hitting on most nights.
By the way Burnett was almost as good. But he still becomes very defensive as a pitcher sometimes and this is why his pitch count gets very high at times. He seems to fall in love with his curveball. This is where the catcher has to take control and stop the nonsense. Get the ego out of the way and just start going after hitters. His walk of the 9 hitter being a case in point although I must admit I didn’t see the pitch sequence to see what he threw him.
MW: How, then, can you say that his walking Kurt Suzuki is a case in point? I mean, fine, if you think that A.J. becomes defensive and falls in love with his curveball, that’s one thing. But to reference something that you didn’t see is kind of nuts.
- mike glattI know. Eckstein throws like my little sister, but there’s a reason why he’s won some awards. We’re not quite sure what it is yet, but continue to hold the fondest of hopes that we will soon get a demonstration of that reason. As for me, I’ll be trudging on over to the television tonight, for another episode of the Blue Jays version of the ancient chinese water torture. As for JP, tell him to conduct some of his interviews on an unbiased radio station to get a better guage of his popularity in Toronto. I think people may be feeling alittle intimidated talking to him on his own turf. Canadians are too much polite a clan to bash a guy while guests in his own home. That being said, I’m going to help you out Mike and predict a Jays win tonight. How’s that grab ya?
MW: Fine by me. And the Fan is not J.P.’s own turf, or his home.
- Vito From HamiltonHey Mike,
I caught the end of the pre-game show, where Gerry interviewed Frasor…man what that difficult to listen to! Has Frasor never done an interview before? Was he that nervous? He was stammering through the whole thing, trying to find an answer…Gerry answered for him more than once! I think he needs to stick to pitching, and take the Downs code of silence when it comes to interviews!
MW: Frasor is a terrific guy, but I don’t think he’s all that comfortable in front of a microphone.
- MarlsI’m just wondering, in your opinion, what makes BJ Ryan a good closer?
I understand before TJ he probably had a bit more speed, but he’s not overpowering at 89 mph. As near as I can tell his slider isn’t anything too nasty or dominating and it doesn’t seem to me that his location is anything spectacular. Rather, it just seems like all he does is throw strikes and attacks the plate, which as a hitter I would think is a great type of pitcher to hit against as you know he’s almost always going to be around the strike zone.
Am I off in my assessment? Why is it that Ryan has been so good not only this year, but in his career as a whole?
Also, even forgetting the fact the Jays missed an entire year of him due to surgery, do you think on the whole the BJ signing has been a good one?
MW: Forgetting the missed year has Ryan been a good signing? Is the answer not incredibly obvious? As far as his success, I think you’re missing something on his location, it’s sensational and one of the major keys to his success. The other is the deception in his pitching motion - the ball seems to get on top of the hitter awfully quickly.
- ColeSo…Frank Thomas’s birthday yesterday. I didn’t like signing him and I wasn’t unhappy when they let him go. But since I (and a huge majority of other people) think it had as much to do with that $10M next year as it had with his lack of hitting, what effect will that have on Ricciardi’s ability to sign another dh? He’ll offer a third year vesting $$$$$$$$ and the agent will laugh his head off, point to what happened this spring and walk away.
MW: Not if the up-front money is big enough.
- reyesThe legendary GM Branch Rickey lived by the philosophy it is better to trade a player too early than too late. AJ Burnett is leaving next year sure to make even more money so why not trade him now? Sometimes AJ is dazzling to watch with his breaking balls dancing away from foolish looking hitters but he is what he is. The numbers don’t lie - he is a 500 pitcher. If JP Ricciardi waits until the end of the season the Jays get two draft picks, if he trades him now the Jays could get a star who can hit and knows how to win. Even without Burnett the Jays have a fine starting rotation. Perhaps David Purcey isn’t ready yet to come in from Triple A and start but the Jays have a glut of pitchers in the bull pen. Why not stretch Jesse Carlson out and make him the fifth starter? This Jays season has proven the old baseball adage to be false. Pitching and defense don’t win games, pitching and offense does.
MW: I love the whole “the numbers don’t lie - he is a .500 pitcher” thing. I don’t know how much longer I can take this.
- DanielAnd here I was going to call in and praise him for the rotation and ask him which minor league hitters impress him the most.Maybe I should call him a preening schmoe who is scared to make a big trade/aquisition (Glaus for Rolen is a lateral move for a change of pace). That would at least be fun right?
MW: Yeah!
- NickWhy don’t more females call into your show (and all other shows on the Fan)? If a 70 year old woman called in to rip John Paul, would you treat her the same as your other callers?
MW: It would depend on whether she made sense or she made up facts to back her arguments and said stuff like “five-year plan”, “Burnett is a .500 pitcher” and called him names.
- JohnWell, the A’s have one of the best pitching staffs in the AL, so even if the Jays hadn’t recently been collectively mired in a hitting slump, I don’t think runs would be easy to come by.
But good heavens, what in the world has happened to the Jay’s ability hit lefthanders? They’re 5-9 against lefties this year, and have an OPS+ of .600. Who saw *that* coming?
MW: That’s simply insane. Maybe it’ll turn around tomorrow.
- Scott ShepherdHi MW
This is a little off topic but did the Blue Jays ever have a bullpen car at Exhibition Stadium to ferry the relief pitchers?
If so they should bring it back for Flashback Fridays along with BJ Birdie
MW: Nope, they never did. The Jays’ bullpen at the Ex was on the field, down the left-field line.
- Dave GDo you believe that as this team nears the trade deadline, and were offered a premier hitter (Dunn, for instance), and assuming all the pitchers on the staff are healthy, that the Jays have enough depth to trade away any of their starting pitchers?
Also, out of all the guys in the bullpen, who do you believe would be best suited to join the rotation? And I mean the guys in the bullpen now, so not League (who I don’t believe will ever be a starter).
My apologies for the run on sentences, I’ve been out of school too long apparently.
MW: I don’t believe that the Jays have the depth to trade any of their starting pitchers. You could make a case for stretching out Tallet or Wolfe and making them starters, but that would be a total crapshoot, and I don’t know why so many people seem to want to take such a massive gamble.
- KamranHey Mike, I’m about halfway through you show….WHAT’S WITH THE FANS OBSESSION TO TRADE OUR PITCHING STAFF, LEAVE THEM ALONE.
Mike, you’re getting soft as the season goes on, just tell tehm to SHUT UP!!
MW: I don’t tell people to shut up.
- The RatHi Mike.
First off, I’d like to say that I do respect your opinions, as you seem to be a knowledgeable fan of the game, first and foremost. However, you treat a large portion of your callers with considerable disdain. Last night’s show was almost unbearable to listen to.
If I were to call in, you’d hang up on me. You know why? Because you know who butters your bread.
These are facts, something that you claimed you needed to hear, but with your quick trigger finger, I’m sure they wouldn’t have had the time to mention them.
The Jays cannot slug, Mike. They simply cannot. Shannon Stewart, who plays two traditional power positions, has a higher OBP than SLUG. It’s unacceptable for an apparent top-tier team. At the other traditional power positions, Rolen is perfect. He has potential to be the high RBI man this team lacks. At first base, Overbay, despite his OBP and batting average, simply doesn’t have the power. There is not a single Blue Jay on track to hit more than twenty home runs. This cannot be considered anything but an anemic offense.
I do not understand how you cannot advocate a trade at this moment. While JP has made some attempts to solidify the middle of the lineup over the years, the current lineup is not working. Hill, Eckstein, Rolen, Wells (for the most part) and Zaun/Barajas are above average for their positions offensively, while the others are firmly average or below average. Rios is one hell of a player, but he’s not a .950 OPS MVP candidate. He’s the ideal #2, #3, or #5 hitter, and that’s a problem with this team. There isn’t a single player on this team that would get pitched around. This lineup is constantly bringing a knife to a gun fight, especially in the Al East.
MW: But what’s the pitching staff like? You can’t have a fantastic pitching staff and a fantastic offense if you’re not willing to spend craploads of money, which the Blue Jays aren’t willing to do. I’d be fine with a trade, the offense could stand some major improvement, but I don’t think they should deal from their current starting rotation. When did I say the Jays shouldn’t make a trade?
- KevinAnd you’re right, I probably would hang up on you because the first thing you did was attack my integrity.
Tonights game is so important, it could very well set the tone for the rest of the road trip. And we got the Doc on the mound so I feel pretty good. But on the flip side we have to take on Canadian Rich Harden who is very very good. Bats gotta get back at it tonight, we don’t want to drop two and row early, and we don’t want to lose this series.
MW: Yes, if they lose tonight, there’s really no point in playing the rest of the schedule.
- Jonhey mike
how do you feel about trying to get a guy like spilborgs out of colorado, he’s a platoon player, but i feel he has starter potential, a .360-.370 on base percentage with some pop and low k’s. I know he plays right or center field, but why not left field? Would the asking price still be a marcum or mcgowan? is this deal more realistic than a dunn or holliday?
MW: I wouldn’t go after Spilborghs. I’d like to make a much bigger splash. He’s fine, but he’s never played in AAA or the bigs outside Colorado, and while he’s not entirely a Coors Field creation (road numbers are better this year), he’s no great slugger at sea level.
- andyHey Mike,
Wow the critics are out in full mass today - typical after a loss.
My question is do you think Jason Bay will be traded by the Bucs this year and if he is what would be your thoughts on the Jays making a run at him?
I am torn about aquiring a big bat for top prospects and just wanted your take.
Thanks
MW: I have no problem with acquiring a big bat for top prospects. I just wish he were left-handed, though.
- CameronHey Mike,
I’ll have to disagree with commenter #1 who is irritated that you don’t allow longer conversations between the fans and JP.
I think it’s far more interesting to hear J.P. answer a wide range of succinct questions, than it would be to hear some random dude grill JP on something for 5 minutes (”Hey JP. What’s up with Gustavo Chacin?” etc etc)
Maybe that’s just me!
MW: It’s a delicate balance, I think.
- James HMike,
For arguments sake, assume that Burnett pitches out the rest of the year much as he has to date. Assume he finishes with something like a 12-12 record - give or take a game either way. ERA in the low to mid 4s. We can even give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he only has one trip to the DL for some minor ailment. Figure about 185 IP.
Assuming you agree the above are fairly reasonable assumptions, do you think AJ will opt out of his contract, and if he does, do you think he will get a better deal (at least based on average annual salary) on the open market. As I understand it, he is owed $12M per year over the last two years.
MW: Yes, and yes.
- James FiremanMike,
Just started reading your blog, but listen to jays talk everynight.
One thing callers have continued to bring up time and time again is Toronto Fans, and you have said time and time again that its just the way toronto fans are, they tend to sit on their hands, and don’t really get into it or excited. Well I think it’s time you stop bashing Toronto fans because four of six of the professional clubs in Toronto have amazing fans (Argos, TFC, Rock, and Raptors) and if you’ve been to any of these venues you know this already. Theres is also no questioning the passion of the leaf fans outside the rink, it just has become far to corporate inside the rink, thus seeming like they are sitting on their hands and are not into the game. I’ve been to 37 jays games over the past two years and agree with you that the jays fans are being too quite and calm! Do you think this is because of a lack of baseball knowledge or the fact that the ticket prices are soo cheap and your average anybody can walk off the street and come to a game?
Thanks for the time,
Darryl
MW: One would think that your average anybody should be able to walk in off the street and come to any sort of game, but Blue Jays fans have always been that quiet, and Leaf fans have for a long time, too, long before the corporate folk took over the building.
- Darryl StockMike,
This is a totally off the wall question…but what do you think of road teams (i.e. Yankees, Red Sox)wearing their home uniforms while in town for a visiting series so that the true fans of the game [who might not otherwise get to travel to the visiting cities] can see the Yankees pinstripes up close. It’s more of a nostalgic type of experiment that I think MLB should look into doing maybe one or two series’ per season. You have to admit, watching the Yankees in their pinstripes has a different feel than those dull road greys.
MW: It has never occurred to me.
- BernardHi Mike:
The Jays pitching has been exceptional this year … and most of last year. To what extent do you think the pitching success can be attributed to Gibbins? Gibbons seems to make frequent pitching changes. I assume this is to maximize the percentages by playing to lefty/righty matchups, historical batter/pitcher matchups, pitching specialists, etc.
In the end, does this strategy help to improve statistics by exploiting the strengths of the pitchers — or are pitchers like Tallet and Downs really as good as their statistics would suggest?
(Waterloo, Ontario)
MW: It’s kind of a chicken-and-egger, but a manager’s job is to put people in the situations where they’re likeliest to succeed, and it seems like that’s working out well.
- Scott BrownDoes Mike Ilitch worry about whether Bud Selig is his buddy? NO! Then why should Ted Rogers? If you want the top talent in the draft you have to be willing to pay for it. If you won’t, somebody else (Detroit, NYY, NYM, Boston etc.) will, and you’ll be left standing there paying “slot price” for prospects of lesser calibre. The Jays need to decide if they want to win or they want to tow Selig’s line.
MW: Fair enough.
- Sean CourtI was hoping for a Bunt when the Jays had two on and Stewart up to bat early in the game, normally in that situation I wouldn’t bunt, but with AJ pitching well and the A’s pitching giving us fits I thought it wise to try and make sure you get one there early. Turns out it would have been the best bet as Stew flew out to right and didn’t advance the runners.
Would most SS arms have nailed brown at the plate?
MW: Yes, most shortstops would have thrown Brown out. What if Stewart had bunted into a double play, or gotten the runner forced at third?
- PeeWeeMike you’ve said time a time again that in basketball it is easy to make the playoffs, Have you ever considered that the 6,7,8 and eight teams usually face a first round exit because the top three teams are usually the elite teams.1plays8 2plays7
3plays6 4plays5
Bulls who were seventy two and ten played the last team to squeek into the playoffs, I need not remind you that the bulls dominated for a long time, also
That year the bulls went on to win another championship.
Getting to the playoffs is one thing getting past the first round being the 6,7,8 is another. I don’t believe these teams are just content getting to the playoff, they also want to get past the first round.Coaches lose their Job for not being able to get past the first round. The only scenario that makes this system fair is if all teams finished with great records. I don’t think that likely in any pro sport. You opinion on this is simply just another way to make excuses for the Jays. It is simply not true.
You seem to
talk alot about things not being fair for the Jays, At least in baseball at the end of the season, the top teams in each division and wildcard play eachother.
Finally
Why do you complain about the Blue Jays division even though they have faired well. The Jays Should be concerned about the teams in the central who has been problem for them over the years. The Jays have not been able to keep up with central teams in the wildcard in previous years.
MW: You still think the Central has been a problem for them over the years? Have you made up more numbers? And it’s interesting that you would say “it is simply not true” about it being easier to make the playoffs in basketball. You’re wrong, so you’ve changed your argument. 16 teams make the playoffs in basketball, 8 in baseball. It’s much harder to make the playoffs in baseball. Who said anything about winning in the first round? Certainly not you, until this post. You’re brilliant - prove me wrong by changing the rules.
- Neil DayeI DEFY you to prove to me that JP DIDN’T say he had a five year plan.
MW: It’s impossible to prove a negative. Show me where he did it.
- Jay MoneyMike,
A number of callers and bloggers have asked you to comment on JP’s performance to date. Your defense of his record is based on the following two facts:
1. He was forced to cut payroll in his first three years.
2. During his last 3/4 years as GM both BOS/NYY have drastically increased payroll.
To summarize, you are saying the Jays were/are at considerable competitive disadvantage and (implied) have a very small chance of reaching the post-season.
My questions:
1. If wins aren’t a fair measure of JP’s performance, what should be the criteria to evaluate his tenure as GM?
2. Do you think MLB will ever address this real or perceived inequity?
3. Why should fans continiue to support a team that hasn’t been in contention in 15 years?
Thanks,
Greg
MW: 1 - the main criterion should be what the organization looked like when the GM took over and what it looks like now; 2 - nope, though I’d love to see them balance the schedule; 3 - ask people in Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, etc.
- GregJust to remind those doom and gloomers, it’s still May. There’s a lot of season to go. Why do people have to get their shorts in such a knot when this team fails to live up to their expectations. Just SUPPORT the team the best you can and remember it’s only a GAME… ENJOY this great sport. The sun will still rise after a loss as well as after a win. The way some go on you’d think they were on the Blue Jays’ payroll or something. Sorry, you can complain all you want and editorialize till doomsday, you’re not getting a cheque from the team. Other than by gambling, you will not profit financially one iota from the fortunes of this or any team. Relax…You could be a Cubs fan (although they definitely have a shot this year — after the last 100 years of failure to win a World Series)or worst still a Leafs fan. A team with no direction or future. Just enjoy the game and stop taking things so seriously. Just chill….
- JOEMike, still think the Rays and A’s aren’t serious playoff contenders?
A third of the way through the season, Detroit is 10.5 games back of Tampa. Cleveland is 8 GB. I’m not sure how much depth the Rays have in the high minors, but they look like they might have some staying power–and they’ve been winning without much offense from Pena, their cleanup hitter.
On another note: Shannon Stewart may be just as good as (or better than) Reed Johnson, but a line of 257/333/314 isn’t exactly what you’d like to see from your LF/DH. What seems weird to me is that you never hear JP, Gibbons, or anyone else on the team come out and state the obvious–we need more production from the LF position. A lot more. The line that Shannon is a “proven offensive performer” seems to be wearing pretty thin.
Geoff
MW: Everyone knows Stewart needs to hit better, and he’s starting to do so over the last three weeks or thereabouts. Yes, I still think the Rays and A’s aren’t serious playoff contenders. Yesterday didn’t change anything in my mind.
- Geoff AllenGreg Who? Truth is anyone who brings decent stuff to the mound on any given night can be a Jays killer.
- MikeEckstein only signed for one year? … High school shortstops in my league have stronger arms… Any chance Johnny Mac will be given a chance to hit singles from the 9th spot?
Vernon Wells should not be among the 50 highest paid … anyone disagree?
Finally, going to Pittsburgh on June 21-22 to see the Jays.
Do they have someone named Greg Smith? Oh yeah … they have Jason Bay! How about some of our pitching for Bay?
…sure enough it is like the past. the blue jays must score more then 1 run to win. this western swing is not over yet and i look for a split (or better) on this road trip
MW: This guy I like.
- gerryHey Mike,
First off, let me just rant a bit about the J.P. haters. Can we just STOP with the “five year plan” crap that has been the anti-J.P. mantra since he’s got here. He NEVER promised a World Series within five years. He said he was going to cut payroll (which he had to- with orders from ownership to get their books in order) and develop the farm system (which, you know, you always try to do anyway). He did those things. Just because suddenly he was given some money to spend and spent it doesn’t mean he should be condemned from straying from the mythical “plan”. I think for the most part he’s done a fantastic job. Each year since he’s been here I’ve seen steady improvement tempered with a lot of harsh luck.
However, I have NO problem with certain criticisms pertaining to this year. The Thomas debacle was confusing. Johnny Mac riding pine in the late innings.. simply baffling. The Eckstein decision, now that I’ve seen him play for a little while seems foolish. He hits for a hollow average and is below the grade defensively. He also doesn’t work the pitcher nearly as much as I thought he would. Shorstop decisions seem to be J.P.’s achilles heel. I also don’t know what the deal is with Wilkerson (or Mench for that matter who seems to get a free pass from all bloggers especially in comparison to the usual goat suspects - see Zaun, Overbay (?!!)) Why do they love this guy? With Lind in the minors? That’s just weird to me.
Mike (completely off topic), if you could travel back in time to experience any baseball moment live, what would it be? Keep up the good work!
MW: Actually, Eckstein has worked pitchers way better than I thought he would. He’s pretty good at extending at-bats with two strikes, he just doesn’t turn those into walks. Any baseball moment, huh? The first thing that popped into my head was Babe Ruth’s called shot.
- Scott BSorry for adding two consecutive blogs ( did I make history )
Any chance you could ask J.P at 8:30 if he ever engages in trade talk with either the Yanks or Red Sox. For example, Yanks need an arm while we need a bat!
Helping each other makes us both stronger and possibly squeezes out the Red Sox. Is that collusion or just good business?
Just a thought.
MW: You should call J.P. and ask!
- MikeMike…
Do you think Scutaro would have thrown Brown out? I think he would have.
Rick makes one good point vs. JP, and that is the Frank Thomas debacle. We need a power bat, an impact bat, when we are paying $8,000,000 for one on an opposing team (and possibly a wild card contender in our race).
I woulsd like to see Rogers not “cheap out” next time. Spend that $10,000,000 from ‘09 now, or real soon (please and thank you Ted).
I wish it were so simple……
MW: It’s not. I think anyone else on the field would have thrown Brown out.
- andrew - KWI noticed that Mench was in the field over Stewart. Apart from the fact that Mench can apparently play right, who do you think is the better outfielder?
On an unrelated issue, “from whence” is redundant. Just thought I’d, you know, point out a minor grammar mistake from someone who humorously avoids using prepositions at the end of sentences (”THAT is about which that I am talking.” -MW, May 22)
MW: “From whence” is indeed redundant, but it seems to have become a literary device, so I’m taking poetic license. I’m not sure who is the better outfielder between Mench and Stewart, but I lean towards Stewart.
- XiaoIt’s not on this thread but if it’s been asked an answered before I apologize. My question is I’m just curious if you know anything about Lind, he’s been out of the line up for three days now.
MW: See above.
- clintPROOF!
“I have a plan. A good plan. I, JP Ricciardi, have a five year plan. This team will win the World Series in 5 years. And that, my friend, is a guarentee.”
MW: Oh, right. I remember when he said that. Never mind.
- Jay Moneyre: Comment 5. Not that it should impact on your opinion of Halladay, he is still incredible and possibly the best pitcher in the league, but I do think that it’s important to note that Halladay’s relief appearance probably dropped his average pitch count a fair bit.
Mike, I do think there’s a silent majority of those content with the job J.P. has done (I am among them), but since they are rational, well-balanced individuals they do not generally feel the need to call post-game shows to ramble about unfounded issues. So they’re silent because they have little to complain about.
MW: Fair enough, and good point about Halladay’s relief appearance. Sometimes, though, I need to hear from the silent majority just so that I know that banging my head against a wall is worth it.
- ColinMike: You were close, but it was the self-proclaimed ‘Beeg Boy’ Rico Carty who hit .366 in 1970 for Atlanta. That I knew. What I didn’t know was Carty did that after recovering from TB. A year or so later he was badly beaten by the Atlanta PD in which his eye was also injured. Carty’s .366 average was the highest average since Ted Williams hit .388 in 1957.
Interesting you mentioned Olerud. Since 1970, no right handed batter ever hit higher than .366 until the ‘Big Cat’ Andrés Galarraga hit .370, That was in the same year that Johnny O. hit .363 and Frank Thomas won his 1st of 2 MVP’s. ‘Olie not the goalie’ came in 3rd for MVP that year. Yes, I’ve heard people say I’m very trivial.-:)
MW: Good call on the “Beeg Mon”, I had forgotten about that year - I believe Cito Gaston was his teammate for that great season.
- Skip KMike, I’m just wondering why you hung up on two callers. i know the first guy you hung up on was rattling about AJ burnett 500 record, but why did you hang up on the second caller. Also, what the difference of Bob McCown disagreeing on what JP done and Neil disagreeing on what JP done. You don’t argue so prefusly with the Bob Cat as you do with Neil.
MW: I don’t think I’ve even been on with the Bobcat this year, but I certainly don’t shy away if he says things I disagree with when I’m on. Honestly, I don’t remember why I hung up on the second guy. I’d have to listen again.
- andrewMW: Hatteberg has said he doesn’t feel comfortable coming off the bench. I wouldn’t mind him DHing, with Stairs moving out to a corner, but he’s another table-setter.
Mike,
I love ya and know that you’re answering over 100 comments but your response seems a bit vague.
a) I can’t really think of another team other than KC (and they seem content with developing Gload and Butler) that would allow Hatteberg to play every day. So Mr. Hatteberg may have to accept the reality that he may no longer an everyday player, however hard that may be.
b) If Hatteberg is just ‘another table-setter’ against righties, what does that make Wilkerson or, worse, Mench? Personally, I’d rather the Jays have a guy that’s just “setting the table” than a player who isn’t even doing that.
MW: To be more specific - if Hatteberg isn’t comfortable as a non-regular and it affects his performance (career numbers - SMALL SAMPLE SIZE ALERT - would bear that out), then he wouldn’t be a good flier to take. As far as the Wilkerson thing you’re right, of course Hatteberg would be better. That would only be a three-week fix, though.
- MichaelAlso, I read a report from Ken Rosenthal about C.C sabathia being avalible? Do you think the Indians will trade him? Also, if JP does not survive this season, which is doubtful at best, do you think the jays have to go out and hire a proven guy like a Walt Jocketty?
MW: Walt Jocketty has a job, but I think the next guy would be someone who has a track record. That’s too bad, because it should be Tony LaCava, though I don’t think J.P. is going anywhere. I don’t think the Indians will trade Sabathia unless they’re far out of it in mid-July. Right now they’re only 5 1/2 out.
- andrewI’m a woman. I’ve called in a few times but never got through. I doubt that busy line has to do with my gender! But try getting a question asked in Richard Griffin’s Blue Jays Mailbag at The Star. That’s a whole ‘nother story. I sent in a couple of questions, signed my obviously female name and those questions were never answered, I rephrased one slightly and sent it in as a guy…bingo!
As for JP, I do think we softball him. And even if we didn’t we might not get a straight answer. I asked him a question during the q ‘n’ a at a Blue Jays Season Ticket Holders thing and got a whole lot of ducking and diving. It was a fairly straightforward quesion as well!
MW: Wow, Rich is sexist! Who knew?
- reyesOne final point: While I think we’re on the same page on the whole “5-year plan” thing, can you please do everyone - the fans, the media, and anyone else - a big favor and just ask JP on-air tonight whether he ever said anything about a five year plan?
Obviously there’s a lot of confusion among some writers as to what exactly Mr. Ricciardi’s words were all those years ago. This “confusion” is leading to a lot of harsh things being written about his leadership, which in turn is spuring a lot of silly comments/questions being thrown your way.
MW: It was asked, and Ricciardi answered. He never said it, and says there’s an article in the Sun from the day after he was hired that proves it.
- MichaelMW: The Blue Jays are playing at a 102-win pace when they score at least two runs. This is a team that can be expected to score at least two runs on a regular basis, and more than likely three or four. I’ll give you that they haven’t hit their way to a big win yet, like a comeback from 6-2 down or something like that, but it’ll happen. Throw out the KC series if you want, though that’s ridiculous, they had won 7 of 11 before that, sweeping a pair of first-place teams.
First of all, this is also a team that, on paper, was supposed to be near the top of the league offensively….on PAPER. It’s just too bad that the game is not played on paper, the Jays would be cleaning up haha. The fact of the matter is, it remains to be seen. Now, 7 of 11 against first place teams in divisions that weren’t exactly the American league east. Unfortunately, the Jays play in that division and it’s much harder…not to take anything away from those teams, but it’s all relative to the league and division you play in. The fact is, the only thing I can give the Jays right now is their sweep of Minnie - their home record was great going in. Besides that, there’s alot of exceptions to the Jays’ success - or lack thereof this season.
MW: Right. But all the losses are well-deserved.
- Gregno Mike, scoring 1 run is pathetic when you do it on a regular basis. Jays are 2-13 when they score 2 runs or less. And they are doing this in 25% of their games so every 4th game is almost a guaranteed loss.
And people keep calling you a homer Mike because you don’t tell the truth, you just keep taking one stat or fact to prove your point. Case in point. Jays clearly have a horrible offense, one of the worst in the AL. They are second last in runs scored, yet you keep saying how great their offense is and use BA or OBP as your proof. You don’t seem to understand Mike, the objective is to score runs not have a high BA. 3/4 with 3 singles is good for your BA but 1/4 with a 3 run homer actually scores runs despite a low average.
MW: I think people keep calling me a homer because they decide what I have said whether I have or not. I don’t believe that I have EVER referred to the Jays’ offense as “great” this season. Regardless, I’d rather have the guy who hits .750 over the guy who hits .250 with a 1.000 slug.
- roccoMike: Cito G. and Rico C. were teammates briefly in 1967. In 1970, the year Carty hit .366, Cito hit .318, his only time hitting over .300. He went 0 for 2 in the All-Star game. Carty played hurt for the Jays in 1979, also his final season in MLB. That reduced his career BA to .299 after previously having a fine 1978 season in which he hit 31 homers splitting time with the Jays and the A’s while 39 years old.
Ironic situation now, exactly 30 years later…
MW: Well, exactly 29 years later.
- Skip KHey Mike
I got my facts wrong on my last post. Vernon has never been the 3rd highest paid player. Actually, when he signed the deal in 2006, it was the 6th highest contract of all-time, paying him 126 mil over 7 years for an average of 18 million/year. Still, way out of line in my humble opinion, what do you think?
MW: I think that given the market at the time, it wasn’t way out of line.
- rickhey mike
Although defensively he has been a plus, would you say that Aaron Hill has been a disappointment to this point in the season? Several media publications I read predicted this as his “breakout offensive year”. For the most part, he seems to get a pass from everyone as far as criticism goes……
MW: That’s because everyone is busy criticizing J.P. Ricciardi and John Gibbons, or Lyle Overbay and Gregg Zaun. So far, there’s no question that Hill has been a disappointment offensively, but he’s been a far worse starter than this in the past, and has rebounded to be just fine.
- samMike:
I think you are the best baseball Toronto media guy out there. Keep doing what you are doing. I just strongly disagree with some finer points. My small ball philosophy has been really elevated this year and you are having no part of it.
I think Eckstein handles the bat as good as anyone in the lineup because he always goes deep into the count and usually makes contact (doesn’t K and doesn’t walk). Career-wise he hits .285 with OBA of .350. Not awesome, but not too bad considering who we have there right now. How many times this year have we seen a 10 pitch at-bat when he is up? I think this type of skill helps the entire lineup.
Hill, on the other hand, is just brutal and has no business in the top of this lineup right now. Even Scutaro would be an upgrade at #2.
MW: I’d probably hit Overbay 2 if I had to make the choice, but just to clarify, the “brutal” Hill had Eckstein by 21 points in OPS coming into tonight’s game. Eckstein doesn’t always go deep into the count, though he does do a better job than I thought he would at doing it. Last year, I believe he was tied with Roy Oswalt for pitches seen per at-bat, well below the top 100.
- Jim BMike, I think You should stick to baseball and perhaps check your math, You say that 16 teams in basketball makes the playoffs, It is eight teams per confernce. sixteen teams within each confernce battle for eight spots among the divisions. The Raptors do not battle for spots betwwen the two conferences. Saying that sixteen teams make it sounds as though teams are also fighting for spots in the in other conferences which is simply not the case. In baseball between the two leagues in the first round of the playoffs there are 16 teams. Ultimatly
when it is down to the best team in the confernece the teams cross over to play eachother. What makes basketball tough is that if a small market teams skweaks in they don’t stand a chance, because the team with the best record in the conference will play the team with the least amount of wins in the playoff
1-8 2-7 3-6 4-5 The 6,7,8 do’t usually stand a chance in the first round because the top three teams are usually teams with 50 wins or more.
Mike in response to the previous blog, The Jays play a total of 32 games per season against teams in the central 2002-2007 is five years. By my math if you play 32 games for five straight seasons I get 160 which means in the past five years minus this season the Jays have played a total of 160 games vs the central therfore how is it mathematically possible for the jays to be 103-103 if they play 32 games per season against teams in the central.
You harp on me making up numbers. Yet you have the jays playing 206 games vs the Central in 5 years.
MW: It’s actually six years. 2002-2007 is six seasons. The Jays don’t play 32 games against the Central division every year, very obviously. I don’t know if I’m going to respond to you anymore because you just have no clue. 16 teams make the playoffs in baseball? What planet are you on?
- Neil DayeI think people are getting confused by your citing of the Jays record when they score two runs *or more* they forget the or more part. When the Jays score 2, they are now 2-3, when they score 3, they are 5-7, when they score 4, they are 3-4. The team doesn’t have a winning record until they score 5.
So… I think citing the record when scoring 2 or more is more than a little misleading as it gets you callers asking for small ball.
The Jays need to scoring 5 runs to win most of the time. Just like every other team.
MW: When the Jays score at least two runs, they’re 28-16. That’s indisputable.
- Christopher TaylorRocco, I don’t think it’s fair to say that Mike has ever called the Jays offense “great” this year. “Craptacular”, “…crapped the bed” and “…spoiled their nest” are the most frequent descriptors I have heard from Mr. Wilner vis-a-vis this horrendific offense, which they somehow continue to endure: now 28-16 when they score 2 runs or more.
Could we please just allow the season to unfold, instead of deciding at the quarter point that they will have four times as many wins after game 162 and three times as many wins as they had after game 54. That is quite simply dumb math. It never happens that way. Does anyone here seriously believe the Rays are going to win 98 games? Seriously, you can make out the cheque now to Tom Jackson if you believe that’s going to happen. Tomorrow is game #56. After 28 games the Jays were 11-17. They certainly are going to have more than 22 wins at the 56 game mark aren’t they? It is a looooooonnnnnnggggggg season people. The Jays Talk is going to have to get a pharmaceutical company as the main sponsor if you people can’t back away from the ledge after every loss.
Also can we please, please, please end the McCown inspired “A.J. Burnett is a .500 pitcher” mantra. What are you people, sheep? Does the fact that Greg Smith is currently 3-4 make him a crappy pitcher? How about Nolan Ryan in 1987? He won the ERA title and struck out 270 or so that year. Want to know what his record was? 8-16. Yeah, that Nolan Ryan was a crappy .333 pitcher that year. Puh-lease.
I see a marketing opportunity for Mr. McCown. You could create a McCown doll with a pull-string that would say different things like: “A.J. Burnett… .500 pitcher” or “J.P. Ricciardi… worst GM ever” and all the other petty, inane comments he has about baseball. He does come up with intelligent commentary about other sports, but whoa does he ever have a hate on for the Jays and J.P. who incidentally is in my opinion a middle of the pack GM, but certainly better than his predecessor. Bobcat’s even unfortunately starting to rub off on Mike Toth, but that’s a whole nother story.
- TomKhalil Greene away from Petco over his career : .274 .325 .499. Free Khalil Greene!
MW: That .325 is scary, but the Jays could sure use the slugging.
- Ari